The Power of Six
Unik Motorcycles was created in 2016 by Tiago Gonçalves and by Luís Costa in Moscavide, Portugal. The company has cemented its position as a custom boutique at a national level but has also been taking its creations to the biggest international events in the field, including several editions of Wheels and Waves (Biarritz, France) and the Bike Shed (London, UK).
Unik has always been one of the more innovative custom shops in not always opting for the mainstream retro machines to work their custom magic. And these two six-cylinder motorcycles are perfect examples of how their creative juices flow!
Unik #48: Honda CBX Prolink 1000 – ‘Kyoto’
In a world where technological marvels and ancient traditions coexist, there lies a unique intersection between innovation and heritage. A testament to this harmonious blend can be found in the heart of Japan – in its bustling cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Kyoto. It was amidst this captivating fusion of high-tech marvels and timeless traditions that an idea was born, an idea that would lead to the transformation of an unconventional canvas – the Honda CBX 1000 motorcycle.
A few years ago, a passionate enthusiast embarked on a journey to find a motorcycle that would not just be a ride, but a reflection of personal style and profound thoughts. The quest seemed futile until the eyes of this visionary settled upon the Honda CBX 1000. At first glance, it might not have been the epitome of beauty – clad in a simple shade of grey, enormous in size, and seemingly lacking in style. However, what captured the enthusiast’s imagination and sparked the creative flame within was its beating heart – a powerful six-cylinder engine, both brutal and beautiful.
In the eyes of this enthusiast, the engine wasn’t just a mechanical marvel; it was the soul of the motorcycle, much like the heart in a human body. This revelation laid the foundation for a transformative project, one that would honour the motorcycle’s origins while infusing it with a new identity. Collaborating with the skilled craftsmen at Unik Motorcycles, the project commenced with a clear vision – retaining the essence of the original motorcycle while giving it a fresh personality.
Preserving the most significant elements of the Honda CBX 1000 became a guiding principle for the passionate team. The transformation was not about erasing the past, but rather, enhancing it. As a result, the front fairing, the fuel tank, the rear fairing and the rear brake light, all stood as a testament to the motorcycle’s heritage, allowing enthusiasts to trace its lineage effortlessly.
Detail changes include: a shorter rear sub-frame; modified Triumph Street Triple swing arm (adaptation) and a 180 rear tyre; Kawasaki forks; Kineo 17″ Wheels; a six into one exhaust; modified and shortened original fairings, completely new electronics; and led lightning.
While the motorcycle hailed from Japan, the transformation took place in Europe, introducing a subtle yet distinctive European influence. Surprisingly, the inspiration wasn’t limited to the world of motorcycles alone. An unexpected muse, a Ferrari 250 GT/L ‘Lusso’ Verde Pino Metallizzato, a car known for its elegance and timeless charm, played a pivotal role. This influence was evident in the choice of colours and the overall classy demeanour of the transformed masterpiece.
The end result is not just a motorcycle; it is a work of art that embodies the spirit of two worlds – the cutting-edge innovation of Japan and the timeless sophistication of Europe. It became a symbol of how diverse influences could come together to create something truly extraordinary. This Honda CBX 1000, now reborn, stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of tradition and innovation, a living embodiment of the enthusiast’s vision and Unik Motorcycles’ craftsmanship.
In the roar of its engine and the elegance of its design, this transformed motorcycle tells a story – a story of passion, creativity, and the seamless integration of the past and the future. As it cruises the streets, it not only turns heads but also ignites the imaginations of those who witnessed its glory, reminding us all that the pursuit of transformation can lead to exceptional beauty and innovation, where the heart of the past beats strongly in the body of the future.
The Unik transformation of this Honda CBX 1000, fusing tradition with innovation.
Unik #45: Benelli 900 Sei – “Sinfonia’
Tiago says this This Benelli 900 Sei was a very challenging project. “Basically we get an engine and a frame. Everything would have to be redone again.”
The goal was to create an amazing motorcycle, with six exhausts, but easy to drive. The main bodywork was created in carbon fibre, designed and produced on a 3D printer, then sculpted in carbon to conceal a custom aluminium oil and fuel tank.
The inverted front end is all new, taken from a sports bike while the rear has been completely changed thanks to the fitment of a. Ducati S4r swing arm, and custom sub-frame.
Tiago says: “The hardest part was adapting the Ducati swingarm to the 70s frame and changing the rear tire from 130 to 190. All the geometry had to be aligned, a very challenging job, but it turned out spectacularly.
“Obviously we love the Kineo rims and all the Motogadget electronics – key, motoscope, mo.unit blue, mo.lock nfc, mo.blaze disk, mo.blaze pin, mo.switch mini, mo.grip.
The paintwork of this Benelli 900 Sei was inspired by both Italian colours and cafe racer culture.
Words and photos courtesy of Unik Motorcycles
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